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From R2 100 per night (sleeps 6)
58
5
1
5
Beacon Vlei Guest Farm, B3 D144
Balgowan
3275
KwaZulu-Natal
021 344 2440
14:00-19:00
11:00
-29.385799630593
30.056129175949
Crane Cottage @ Beacon Vlei Guest Farm
Crane Cottage @ Beacon Vlei Guest Farm
Crane Cottage @ Beacon Vlei Guest Farm
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This cottage has a sleeping capacity of 6 guests and comprises 2 bedrooms each furnished with a king-size bed and en-suite bathrooms fitted with showers, basins, and toilets. There is a double sleeper couch in the lounge. Linen and towels are provided.
The kitchen is equipped with a fridge-freezer, stove, oven, microwave, basic cutlery, crockery, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. It extends to the dining area and further extends to the lounge furnished with comfy couches and a TV with DStv. There is also a cosy fireplace.
The unit opens up to a patio with outdoor seating and braai facilities overlooking the private dam. The dam and wetland area is home to hundreds of beautiful bird species, and wildlife such as duiker, reedbuck, bushbuck, serval, caracal, porcupine, and wild pigs to name a few.
Guests can enjoy bass fishing, birding, boating, and a picnic on the farm after a leisurely walk around beautiful Beacon Vlei. Other outdoor activities that can be arranged in the surrounding countryside include mountain biking, horse riding, canopy tours, battlefield tours and even paragliding.
This cottage has a sleeping capacity of 6 guests and comprises 2 bedrooms each furnished with a king-size bed and en-suite bathrooms fitted with showers, basins, and toilets. There is a double sleeper couch in the lounge. Linen and towels are provided.
The kitchen is equipped with a fridge-freezer, stove, oven, microwave, basic cutlery, crockery, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. It extends to the dining area and further extends to the lounge furnished with comfy couches and a TV with DStv. There is also a cosy fireplace.
The unit opens up to a patio with outdoor seating and braai facilities overlooking the private dam. The dam and wetland area is home to hundreds of beautiful bird species, and wildlife such as duiker, reedbuck, bushbuck, serval, caracal, porcupine, and wild pigs to name a few.
Guests can enjoy bass fishing, birding, boating, and a picnic on the farm after a leisurely walk around beautiful Beacon Vlei. Other outdoor activities that can be arranged in the surrounding countryside include mountain biking, horse riding, canopy tours, battlefield tours and even paragliding.
Features
Reviews (58)
58 guests' feedbackThe place was clean and tidy, we were there for 3 nights as a family for a wedding! They came every day to clean and prepare the fire place to just light without fire lighters or effort! We didn't feel like we were missing anything! We didn't love the showers because their water pressure was very low, but that's all I can say negatively! Location is perfect for Notties and the views are very beautiful! They have a cat and dogs, and the cat was very loving and came to visit every day!
Next time we will discuss the big house.
Loved our stay. Spacious, beautiful view to wake up to. Friendly and helpful guests.
Value for money. Beautiful surroundings. Unit is well equipped.
Quiet in nature.
Very good value for money and we had a great time in front of the fireplace. Fire wood is a bit expensive.
Great setting, wildlife, and views.
Excellent place to stay and rest. Beacon Vlei Guest Farm is a beautiful place and I will definitely visit it again. The rainy weather nearly messed up my experience. Very nice and comfortable with accessible Wi-Fi.
Our stay was lovely, and we are already planning to go back. The accommodation was spacious and beautifully situated, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Some suggestions: 1. The plumbing in the showers was backing up a bit, resulting in a slight smell (and flies) entering the unit. Perhaps have a look at the plumbing? 2. The bedding and towels were all very nice and obviously new, but if the owners are budgeting to replace something in the future, I would suggest putting the couches and carpets on the list (in that order). 3. Some of the boats could perhaps use replacing. The one we were in had been patched a number of times but was still taking quite a bit of water. 4. Some sort of jetty for the boats would be great. The mud was quite something.
The staff we received were very friendly and helpful. I think they deserve more than 5 stars. We were very grateful for the electric blankets on the beds.
Very nice secluded place next to the dam. Random gunshots throughout the evening that were a bit unsettling. But I guess it was people messing around on the property next door. Otherwise, a very pleasant stay.
The area is very scenic, has amazing birdlife and is so peaceful. Alex is really pleasant and notified us of an area power outage. This is our second time at Beacon Vlei (and in the same cottage) and I can definitely see improvements in the unit. The only main issue we had was with the dam and fishing. The dam surrounds need more cleaning up so a person can fish from the bank and not just on the single wobbly jetty. The vegetation in the dam needs to be cleared out or cut back. We saw no fish activity whatsoever. Which was extremely disappointing to us.
Was only there one night. Didn't see the owner. Key was in the door. You get what you pay for. Road bad and full of potholes or a long dirt road. We tried both. Road on farm was wet and full of mud. Would be better to drive a pickup truck than a regular sedan. Nice view and well cut grass. Other accommodation in the area is much more expensive, but you get what you pay for.
We were also at Beacon marsh on our way to the South Coast a few years back and immediately considered them again when we decided to travel to Midlands Meander. Was exactly the same experience and everything we expected! Very nice and comfortable!
Excellent place to stay.
Beacon Vlei is a fantastic place. Absolute bliss for the soul. We will definitely visit again.
Clean and tidy. Only stayed overnight but would definitely go back for a few nights. This silence and beauty enchants one.
We stayed one night in the boathouse. Very spacious house with a lovely fireplace and one of the best views of the nearby pond. The house has a few years on it and could do with some updating, but it's still very comfortable. Host very helpful and friendly.
Just overslept but looks nice for a quiet weekend.
We were overnighting, so good for that. The other cottages are very nearby, so not that private or exclusive. If I was to be honest, I felt it was a bit neglected - thin towels, chair with stuffing coming out. I would not hold it against them as everything else was great.
Quiet atmosphere, good location.
Would love to have a bundle of wood by the fireplace. Very nice please, will continue there again.
There are not many other places that can compete with this view of the pond, trees and mountains. That view brings peace and tranquility. The location is about 10km out of Nottingham, so it was close enough to get into town quickly. Did a lot of driving around the area and enjoyed it. The time on the farm itself was very peaceful, and we were able to switch off and relax. The fireplace worked well on the cold evenings too. Unit is kept clean and tidy, and bed slept comfortably. Negative comments we have: The kitchen is tiny, can only put one plate in the oven or microwave, some of the equipment like the toaster was badly rusted, and for the cups there was only one of each type of cup. One bathroom's faucets kept dripping, one would be furious. Luckily we were able to sleep in the farthest room so didn't hear it, but it would bother people sleeping in the room next to it. Bathrooms are also very nice. Although the unit is kept clean, the property has a lot of "wear-and-tear" on it. Carpets have burn marks around the fireplace, some of the furniture looks neglected (coffee table could do with some TLC). There was no WiFi. Can't remember if it was supposed to have.
Facility needs attention, pointed out to Alex. Currently busy with maintenance on all the chalets. Our unit is last on the schedule.
Great location, lovely setting and great place to relax. Good fishing dam. Main house really needs repair work, toilets leak on floor, toilets block, poor cold water pressure in bathroom. Reported issues and told they had been sorted out, on checking with staff only to find they had not and were not sorted out whilst we were there. Roof leaks badly.
House is dirty and everything is falling apart. It is cleaned daily, but the place needs a good vacuuming. Dam is also full of grass and difficult to fish. Boats on dam are in extremely poor condition. Place needs a lot of TLC.
House was very neat and clean, the environment is breathtaking and peaceful. Will definitely come again and stay longer to explore the area.
Great location.
Besides Alex's friendly hospitality, we were very surprised when we arrived at "the Boathouse". It is very clearly an old family hangout, which they gave to us, the travelers, to truly relax, and to make, in one word, feel at home. One can really spend time here. Unfortunately we only had one night but would go back anytime.
Beautiful location. Very safe. Close to the N3 motorway. Lovely views. Nice fireplace. Most beautiful bird sounds. Tranquility of the view over the lake. Very comfortable accommodation.
This is such a beautiful location! The team and Alex at Beacon Vlei were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend the guest farm to anybody looking for a home away from home.
Clean, warm and suited our purposes perfectly. Wish we had more time to explore the farm.
This was our 4th visit to Beacon Vlei. Our dogs are also welcome there and tire themselves out playing every day. Canoeing on the dam is great and bass fishing. Can also go for a nice walk. Alex and the team are very friendly. Close to many attractions.
Stunning views over the dam and we enjoyed our short stayover. Thank you.
This is our third time at Beacon Vlei because it is so nice to stop over there on the way down to the coast. The area is so beautiful and Beacon Vlei is really beautiful. Between the mountains with a beautiful pond. Cottages have everything needed.
The unit we stayed in has a beautiful view. The unit itself was outdated and full of flies. There was no attention to small details. Matchbox with no matches, empty Doom bottle, and leaking shower head. If the owner gives attention to the small details and with time updates the unit, it can be a really great place to stay.
See stars.
Clean bedding, cozy porch and clean bathrooms. Nice stay.
The house is situated right on a lake, beautiful setting, and close enough to all the attractions, shops and restaurants. The host, Alex, was very accommodating, and we had a lovely time. Thank you!
Beautiful spot on a dam. The boathouse was just that, built in the sixties. Fairly rustic but comfortable. The other, newer, chalets have the same outlook and a covered verandah which the Boathouse lacks.
The location and accommodation was beautiful and Alex was extremely helpful and always available. Only concern that the upholstered furniture needs to be cleaned as they were badly marked/stained.
Peace away from the city rush.
Beacon Vlei was quiet, serene, beautifully appointed, awfully comfortable perfected by immaculate service and fantastic value for money. I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend it to all my friends who need respite from busy schedules or seclusion to complete a demanding writing exercise, or even just a meditative weekend. What a great place!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit at Beacon Vlei. It's a very nice location and you can't ask for more. It is a great base to explore the area. Alex the owner doesn't hesitate to make you feel at home. The Otter cottage was more than adequate, and was clean. If you like fishing, this is the place for you.
The Rose unit was perfect for my wife and baby (although we would have liked a bath, but it's nothing against Beacon Vlei, it's me who chose the unit). The unit was very tidy and the ground staff and Alex were very friendly. The dirt road is a bit deserted, but it's beyond Beacon Vlei's control. The only downside is that I should have killed a spider - otherwise I will definitely come back.
We are two pensioners. Having arrived at Beacon Vlei Guest Farm, we were immediately met by Alex, who informed us that we had been upgraded from Rose cottage to Crane cottage with lovely views at no extra cost. Next morning Alex came to check on us to see if everything was okay. Obviously all was okay. The wife and I had a lovely time there bass fishing using their boat, almost capsizing it twice in 3 days. Thank you for our welcomed stay, Alex. Hope to see you again sometime.
Beautiful little houses with a view of the dam. Very private and a lovely area. We'll definitely stay there again.
See stars.
The cottage is very basic and living area very cramped.
This place is definitely the right place to go if you want a beautiful view, peaceful atmosphere, to travel the beautiful meander around you and all the facilities and luxury. Beacon Vlei Guest Farm has fireplaces, electric blankets and warm blankets on the beds. The staff is friendly and helpful. The view is breathtakingly beautiful and Beacon Vlei is close to Ugly Duckling, Piggly Wiggly, the Steam Punk Coffee Shop, Swiss Cheese Farm and Belgian chocolate shops. Really worth the effort and every penny. A wonderful place for all ages and sizes of families.
The dam and surroundings are beautiful and well kept. So relaxing and tranquil. Would definitely recommend.
Beacon Vlei Guest Farm is a magnificent get-away spot. Beautiful views, lovely cottages, quiet and dog friendly too. We will definitely make it our place of choice in the midlands in future. The owner is professional and friendly. Fantastic few days!
We found the directions (only one sign between the trees/leaves) difficult. The Boathouse was on special offer, but I would rather consider the house as a R600/night unit than a R900/night (special) due to aged finish and a few small things that bothered. A door mat in front of the house would keep our mud tracks out, a small shed in front of the house would keep the rain off a bit so that it doesn't rain in front of the door, wood from jetmaster would be nice (there were 2 logs, I bought my own ) He says that he does supply wood in the Winter. also no hardwood or fire starters. Finding the light switches for some lights was difficult. The other houses on the site are clearly in a much better class (so also more expensive), but if I compare all the places we have stayed in the country with the location/price, I would charge R600/night, especially if it is only is for two people. Maybe a different matter if the house is full or with children too. Otherwise, very friendly and nice man and staff. I would go there again. Felt too bad to point out all the little things to Alex, don't want to appear petty but would like to see that with a little effort, he can move the value for money ratio up a bit. For his own good.
Beautiful farm. Lovely day. So relaxing.
Beacon Vlei's units are spacious and well equipped with lovely electric blankets and heaters so winter and summer it is an ideal destination. The dam on the farm also provides many opportunities for breathtaking photos or rowing if the muscles need to be stirred. Beacon Vlei is ideally located for exploring the Midlands in any direction. I would love to return to Beacon Vlei and would definitely want to stay longer than just two nights.
Convenient two bedroom unit. Nice farm feel. Had a lovely braai. Dam is a beautiful feature.
Very nice for one night or a few days of peace and quiet. The hospitality and breakfast were excellent
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House rules
Small pets are allowed for an additional fee of R 100.00 per pet, per night. Only 1 pet per cottage.Children aged between 0 and 2 stay free.
This cottage has a sleeping capacity of 6 guests and comprises 2 bedrooms each furnished with a king-size bed and en-suite bathrooms fitted with showers, basins, and toilets. There is a double sleeper couch in the lounge. Linen and towels are provided.
The kitchen is equipped with a fridge-freezer, stove, oven, microwave, basic cutlery, crockery, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. It extends to the dining area and further extends to the lounge furnished with comfy couches and a TV with DStv. There is also a cosy fireplace.
The unit opens up to a patio with outdoor seating and braai facilities overlooking the private dam. The dam and wetland area is home to hundreds of beautiful bird species, and wildlife such as duiker, reedbuck, bushbuck, serval, caracal, porcupine, and wild pigs to name a few.
Guests can enjoy bass fishing, birding, boating, and a picnic on the farm after a leisurely walk around beautiful Beacon Vlei. Other outdoor activities that can be arranged in the surrounding countryside include mountain biking, horse riding, canopy tours, battlefield tours and even paragliding.